PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF MIGRANT WORKERS: BRIDGING LEGAL PROMISES AND GLOBAL REALITIES

The global movement of labor has intensified in the 21st century, positioning migrant workers at the heart of economic development. However, their human rights remain persistently vulnerable due to systemic exclusion, exploitation, and weak legal protections. This paper critically examines the international legal instruments, national frameworks, and policy responses designed to safeguard the rights of migrant workers. It explores the intersectionality of labor, migration, and human dignity through comparative legal analysis and socio-economic insights. From the failure of enforcement mechanisms to the challenges of the Kafala system, the paper highlights key areas where reform is needed. Drawing on country-specific case studies, it proposes forward-thinking solutions including stronger bilateral agreements, inclusive registration systems, and multilingual grievance redress platforms. The research underscores that protecting migrant workers is not only a legal imperative but a reflection of global moral responsibility and economic pragmatism.Global labor migration has surged over the past decades, with an estimated 281 million international migrants in 2020, of whom nearly half are migrant workers. Despite their pivotal role in sustaining both origin and destination economies, migrant workers frequently endure rights violations—ranging from discriminatory recruitment practices to exploitative working and living conditions.Migrant workers are vital to global economies, yet they face persistent human rights violations, including labor exploitation, discrimination, and limited access to justice. This article examines the systemic challenges confronting migrant workers, with a focus on recent cases from 2024–2025, and evaluates the effectiveness of international legal frameworks in addressing these issues. Drawing on reports from the International Labor Organization (ILO), United Nations (UN), and other sources, it highlights labor abuses, xenophobic policies, and enforcement gaps. The article proposes actionable recommendations to strengthen protections, emphasizing the need for robust enforcement, corporate accountability, and global cooperation.